ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
The Karnofsky prognostication scale is most appropriately used to screen patients with which medical diagnoses?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Karnofsky Prognostication Scale is commonly used in patients with terminal illness, such as AIDS, to assess their functional status and predict their prognosis. Patients with AIDS often experience rapid decline in health, making this scale useful in determining their overall well-being and potential outcomes. Incorrect choices: A: Respiratory diseases - The Karnofsky scale is not commonly used for screening patients with respiratory diseases. B: Cancers - While the Karnofsky scale can be used for cancer patients, it is most commonly associated with terminal illnesses like AIDS. C: Cardiac diseases - The Karnofsky scale is not typically used for screening patients with cardiac diseases.
Question 2 of 9
A pregnant woman reports back pain and wants to try a complementary alternative medicine (CAM) therapy. The nurse knows that which CAM would be contraindicated?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Magnet therapy. Magnet therapy is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of unknown effects on the fetus. Magnets may interfere with the body's natural magnetic fields, potentially causing harm to the developing baby. Aromatherapy (B), imagery (C), and therapeutic touch (D) are generally considered safe during pregnancy when performed by trained professionals and with appropriate precautions. Aromatherapy uses essential oils, imagery involves mental visualization techniques, and therapeutic touch uses energy-based techniques that do not pose significant risks to the pregnant woman or the fetus.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse caring for a patient with anemia and heart failure prepares to hang a unit of packed red blood cells and realizes her break is in 5 minutes. She decides it is not necessary to have another nurse check the blood against the patient's information since the patient's blood type is O+ which she incorrectly remembered to be the universal donor. She hangs the blood, noting the patient is "reading and vital signs normal." She leaves the floor for her break and does not report leaving or ask anyone to perform required vital signs. Upon returning she meets a family friend who is visiting and time "just flies." She returns to the patient's room after admitting a new patient. The patient is hypotensive and color is cyanotic and anxious. She reports the findings to the charge nurse, who then contacts the physician. A blood reaction occurrence is noted. The nurse providing care is charged:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: with criminal negligence. The nurse displayed a reckless disregard for the patient's safety by not verifying the blood type, leaving for an extended break without ensuring proper monitoring, and failing to report her absence. These actions were highly irresponsible and demonstrated a severe lack of care and attention to the patient's well-being. Criminal negligence involves a conscious disregard for the consequences of one's actions, which in this case resulted in a serious adverse event for the patient. Choices A and B do not fully capture the gravity of the nurse's actions, as they imply a lesser degree of fault. Choice D, under the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur, would be inappropriate in this scenario as the nurse's actions directly contributed to the adverse outcome.
Question 4 of 9
In today's world of fast, effective communication, what is the most commonly used means of societal communication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Electronic messaging. In today's fast-paced world, electronic messaging, such as emails, text messages, and social media, is the most commonly used means of societal communication due to its immediacy, convenience, and widespread accessibility. It allows people to communicate quickly across long distances and reach a large audience efficiently. Facial expressions (A) are important but limited in reach. Spoken word (B) is also crucial but less prevalent in today's digital age. Written messages (C) are still used but electronic messaging has largely replaced traditional written communication for its speed and efficiency.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is concerned that the policy of using povidone-iodine (Betadine) to clean foot ulcers may lead to unwarranted allergic reactions and drying of surrounding tissue. A literature review is performed to determine the "best practice" related to care of foot ulcers. This nurse: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the nurse is using evidence-based practice by conducting a literature review to determine the best practice for caring for foot ulcers. Evidence-based practice involves integrating the best available evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to make informed decisions about patient care. This nurse is ensuring that the care provided is based on current research and best practices, which can lead to better patient outcomes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the nurse's action of conducting a literature review to determine best practices for foot ulcer care. Choice B mentions critical thinking but does not specifically address evidence-based practice. Choice C focuses on cost-effectiveness and level of education, which are not relevant to the nurse's evidence-based practice. Choice D refers to clinical competence, which is not the main focus of the nurse's action in this scenario.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse tallies the patient satisfaction surveys and approves the use of an agency nurse because of the high census. This nurse is involved in which nursing role?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Manager. In this scenario, the nurse is making decisions related to staffing and resource management based on patient census, which falls under the responsibilities of a nurse manager. A manager oversees the organization and coordination of nursing care to ensure efficient and effective delivery. The other choices - Change agent, Educator, and Coordinator - do not directly align with the decision-making process related to staffing and resource management as seen in the scenario.
Question 7 of 9
A student nurse who is preparing to graduate and take the licensure examination asks, "What is compulsory licensure?" The appropriate response of the nursing advisor is which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because compulsory licensure means that in order to practice as an RN, the nurse must be licensed as an RN. This is a fundamental requirement for anyone wanting to work as a registered nurse to ensure they meet the necessary qualifications and standards set by the licensing board. Choice A is incorrect as passing a drug screen is not the definition of compulsory licensure. Choice B is incorrect as having a felony conviction may impact eligibility for licensure but is not the definition of compulsory licensure. Choice D is incorrect as acknowledging limitations due to impairment is related to professional conduct but not specifically about licensure requirements.
Question 8 of 9
Which nurse died after deliberately acquiring two bites from yellow fever carrier mosquitoes to enable her to provide care to soldiers with yellow fever during the Spanish-American War?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Clara Maas. Clara Maas died after deliberately acquiring two bites from yellow fever carrier mosquitoes to provide care during the Spanish-American War. This is correct because Clara Maas was a real historical figure known for her selfless dedication to nursing and her sacrifice to help others. Florence Nightingale (A) is renowned for her work in nursing during the Crimean War, but she did not die from acquiring yellow fever. Margaret Hoolihan (B) and Sairy Gamp (D) are fictional characters and not relevant to the historical context of the Spanish-American War.
Question 9 of 9
In February 2010, Congress passed legislation to support universal health care for all Americans. At a local health fair, an individual asks about the difference between universal health care and a single payer system. The nurse explains the difference is that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because in a universal health care system, one universal payer (often the government) is responsible for covering all health care expenses for all citizens. This means that everyone, regardless of income or eligibility, is covered under the same system. Choice B is incorrect because a single-payer system does not necessarily limit health care access based on income; it simply means there is one entity responsible for paying health care costs. Choice C is incorrect because single-payer systems do not rely on insurance companies to pay fees; instead, the single payer itself covers the costs directly. Choice D is incorrect because it does not specify that the one payer in a universal health care system is usually the government, which is a key distinction in this context.